modal

adjective

mod·​al ˈmō-dᵊl 

1

: of or relating to modality (see modality sense 2) in logic

2

: containing provisions as to the mode of procedure or the manner of taking effect

—used of a contract or legacy

3

: of or relating to a musical mode (see mode entry 1 sense 1)

4

: of or relating to structure as opposed to substance

5

: of, relating to, or constituting a grammatical form or category characteristically indicating predication (see predication sense 2) of an action or state in some manner other than as a simple fact

a modal verb

6

: of or relating to a statistical mode (see mode entry 1 sense 7)

modally

ˈmō-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin modalis, from Latin modus

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modal

• modal auxiliary
• modal auxiliary verb
• modal verb

Kids Definition

modal

adjective

mod·​al ˈmōd-ᵊl 

: relating to or being a modal auxiliary